Success Rates of Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Turkey and Patient Comfort
In recent years, bariatric surgery has become one of the most preferred treatments in Turkey. Sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve surgery) is widely chosen thanks to its high success rate, low risk of complications, and patient comfort.
1. Success Rate and Weight Loss
- The success rate of gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey ranges between 80% and 90%.
- Within the first two years, patients lose on average 60–70% of their excess weight.
- In the long term (5 years), weight loss stabilizes at around 50–60%.
2. Complication and Mortality Rates
- The mortality rate is below 1% in Turkey, which is lower than many international averages.
- The overall complication rate is 3–5%, most commonly bleeding or infection.
- With proper follow-up and nutrition programs, most patients complete the process safely.
3. Number of Surgeries and City Distribution
- Each year, approximately 8,000–10,000 gastric sleeve operations are performed in Turkey.
- The main cities where these operations are concentrated are Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Antalya.
- Istanbul and Antalya are especially popular among international patients.
4. Patient Comfort and Quality of Life
- Thanks to the laparoscopic technique, patients are usually discharged within 2–3 days.
- Postoperative pain is minimal, and patients return to daily life quickly.
- Reflux is observed in about 20% of patients in the first year, but the rate decreases to around 3% in the following years.
- In the long term, patients lose 60–80% of their excess body weight, significantly improving their quality of life.